The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Raymond Hassell (Liberal Democrat), will be amongst a cross-party list of dignitaries at the Council House, this Thursday, to witness 80 teenage students, who have overcome personal and social barriers to education, graduate with diplomas in a range of vocational studies.
At the event, held by leading Platinum Employment Advice & Training Limited, joining the Lord Mayor will be the Labour Cabinet Member for Skills, Learning & Cultural, Councillor Penny Holbrook and Councillor Robert Alden (Conservative) as the 16-18 year olds pick up their scrolls to mark their successes motor vehicle studies, construction, plumbing and sports courses.
The graduates will include Wandsworth’s Terence Manhertz who, having turned his back on anti-social behaviour, made full use of of the extra-curriculum activities put on by Platinum’s qualified teaching staff, as he discovered a flair for electronics. He has gone on to secure an apprenticeship with Jaguar Land Rover.
He still continues to attend Platinum, on his days off, to complete his qualification.
Mohammed Nasir, from Erdington, is another with a brighter future, as a direct result of Platinum’s activities.
On joining the Sports course, a once quiet and very apprehensive Mohammed, who disengaged in learning, has blossomed into a parishioner, who can confidently share his thoughts and ideas.
The sole female learner on the Motor Vehicle Studies course, Becky Brown from Sutton Coldfield, has gone on from being a self-confessed hater of English, which she found very challenging at school, to obtain her English qualifications, as well her Maths and Level 1 Motor Vehicle Repairs Diploma, with much improved personal confidence and determination.
And, having come to the UK, from Brazil, to complete his secondary education, Alberto Bento Da Siva has a qualification in Motor Vehicle Repairs, to add to those in English and Math, has and an Employability Award.
Platinum Employment Advice & Training Managing Editor, Georgina Mendez, said: “We are thrilled to have supported another intake of students overcome barriers they have come up against, give them the guidance and encouragement to become the success stories they have.
This is exactly why we do what we do and we’re proud tot have VIPs, like our Lord Mayor, to celebrate with us.
Fellow Director, Murett Mendez, added: “The cross-party support we have received demonstrates to us the universal respect for our work and acclomplishments. We will enjoy the ceremony as we reflect on what has been achieved, but we’re already looking forward to the success stories we are building for the future.”
Representatives from Fix Auto Birmingham North, who provided students with placements and apprenticeship opportunities, will also be present at the graduation.
